LEITH CREEK: FIELD METHODS TO DETERMINE IF A KARST CREEK IS GAINING OR LOSING

Leith Creek is a small stream fed by two springs and the shallow unconfined Springfield Plateau aquifer, a highly karstified aquifer which is made up of limestone and minor interbedded shale-mudstone units. To determine if Leith Creek is gaining or losing, stream flow, water chemistry and temperature sensors were monitored. Another objective of the study was to determine if Leith Creek is being contaminated by sewage, fertilizers, and manure since Polk County has the 2nd largest number of cattle in Missouri. Stream discharge was measured bimonthly at four sites within a 0.4 km creek segment. Water samples were also tested bimonthly for conductivity, chloride, and nitrate-nitrogen. Results of this study show that Leith Creek is both a losing and gaining stream with a low degree of contamination by animal waste, and that precipitation influences water quality. The water quality reflects dissolution of limestone and contains little sulfur. The nitrate nitrogen amount ranges from 0.09 mg/L to 1.59 mg/L, with an average nitrate nitrogen level of 0.85 mg/L.